The Detroit Lions cut the receiver Tuesday morning as they whittle their roster to 75 players. They've also cut kicker Havard Rugland and cornerback DeQuan Menzie.

They will need to release two more players by 4 p.m. to satisfy the NFL's roster limit.

Austin had six catches for 48 yards in the preseason, but did most of his damage late in games against reserves. He had trouble gaining separation, and would have had to secure a major special-teams role to make the team.

But that didn't happen, which slotted him behind receivers such as Matt Willis, Patrick Edwards and Micheal Spurlock who are contending for larger special-teams responsibilities.

Austin was a seventh-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 2010. He has 15 career catches for 184 yards.